Polyurethane Elastomers Market Trends

Growth Drivers

• Increasing Demand for Conveyors Belts - Polyurethane elastomers are the most suitable material to make conveyor belts. Moreover, polyurethane adhesives are usually used to seal the ends of conveyor belts and can be utilized in even the most delicate food applications without any problems. Therefore, higher demand for conveyor belts in bottling manufacturing, mining, agriculture, food, and industries is estimated to propel the market growth over the forecast period.
• Growing Demand in Medical Devices- The high strength and simplicity of processing polyurethane elastomers make them the material of choice for innumerable medical devices. Polyurethanes elastomers are used in medicine since they are compatible with the human body and are also employed in medical devices such as surgical instruments.

Challenges

• Health Hazards of Polyurethane Elastomers - To give shape to end-use products manufactured from polyurethane elastomers, the hot wire cutting method is used. During this process, vapors from the hot wire cutting can be irritating and hence in acute conditions, result in coughing. The emitted vapor is also known to contain trace amounts of toluene diisocyanate (TDI) or diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI), which is harmful to human health. In chronic conditions, studies showed that inhalation or overexposure to clouds of dust may cause inflammation of the lungs, fibrosis, and airway obstruction. Such factors are anticipated to hamper the growth of the global polyurethane elastomers market.
• Poor Weatherability and Thermal Capability
• Flammable and Utilizes Toxic Isocyanates